Have you ever wondered if your ancestors could read? Or what they read? In this talk, Dai explores the changes in literacy and literary culture in the 18^th and 19^th Centuries across Wales and England. This was an especially transformative time in Welsh history, culminating in the Welsh Literary Renaissance of the late 1700s, when more literature was being printed in Wales than ever before. These literary sources are sorely underused by family historians, but can be the key to deepening your understanding of your ancestors’ lives and even breaking those tricky brick walls! Even if you don’t have Welsh ancestors, this talk offers you a model for researching literacy and literary culture in the places where your ancestors come from.

“Dai always brings a unique perspective to family history research – so refreshing, thanks.”

Past Showings

Society of Genealogists